Germany’s Vox acquires ‘X Factor’

Fremantle's UFA to produce local version

BERLIN — “The X Factor” is coming to Germany. RTL-owned web Vox has picked up rights to the format, which is produced by Talkback Thames, a subsidiary of FremantleMedia, itself a division of pan-European broadcasting conglom RTL Group.

Fremantle’s German subsidiary UFA will produce the Vox version of the talent show via its Grundy Light Entertainment unit.

While most of the show will air on Vox, RTL Television, Germany’s leading commercial web, will carry the premiere episode as well as the finale.

RTL already airs “Deutschland sucht den Superstar,” Germany’s version of the “Idol” format, which has remained a huge ratings hit for the broadcaster.

Versions of “X Factor” air in 16 countries including Australia, Belgium, Italy, Denmark and Spain.

Created by Simon Cowell, the show has been a massive hit in the U.K. since premiering on ITV in 2004.